Confident Tar Heels QB assumes more control

CHAPEL HILL — It’s almost as if Marquise Williams has said “All aboard.”

The North Carolina quarterback entered spring drills with a confident approach that he says is necessary.

“I’m in the driver’s seat,” Williams said after Wednesday’s practice. “I have to think (that way). I’m in the driver’s seat and the other guys are the passengers.”

Williams assumed the starter’s role in November upon Bryn Renner’s season-ending injury. That stretch gave him the upper hand for the coming season, particularly with the Tar Heels going 4-1 after Williams became the full-time starter.

So this spring there has been a new attitude for Williams, who’ll play as a junior in 2014.

“It’s very different,” he said. “I’m more of a leader. I’m much more vocal. … You have to step in and let the guys know I’m here for them.

“This is my team. I have to get more focused.”

While Williams said he’s displaying a new-found level of confidence, there could be a competition brewing. Rising redshirt freshman Mitch Trubisky figures to challenge for the first-string role, though there are numerous unspoken indicators that Williams will have the first crack.

“He’s so much more comfortable right now,” coach Larry Fedora said of Williams.

Trubisky, too, said he’s more in tune in his second spring session. He enrolled in January 2013 to get a head-start prior to last season.

Williams’ playing time in the fall is bound to make a difference.

“From a competitive (standpoint), I think I’m definitely playing from behind because he has the comfort because he has been playing,” Trubisky said.

Still, Trubisky appears more in sync with things than at any time since arriving in Chapel Hill.

“Last year at this time, my head was spinning,” he said.

Fedora said there’s competition at all positions, and putting together pieces along the offensive line is one of the priorities. As for quarterback, he said he likes what he has seen this offseason.

“They’re both getting after it,” Fedora said.

Williams, though, has been pushing to make his impact even more visible.

“He’s taking it upon himself, I can tell, to be a leader,” rising sophomore receiver Ryan Switzer said. “He’s coming out here with a great attitude. I feed off his energy. Last year, it really wasn’t his team even though he came in and did a great job.”